Supported nanocatalyst for conversion of monoolefins, process for conversion of monoolefins and process for preparing the nanocatalyst

Abstract

 The present invention relates to a supported nanocatalyst for conversion of monoolefins, comprising at least one particulate zeolite support, at least one transition metal oxide, wherein the transition metal is selected from the group consisting of Mn, Cr, V, Zr, Mo, W, Pd, Pt, Ru, Ni, Co, W and Zn, the transition metal oxide being support on the support, wherein the average particle size of the supported nanocatalyst is from 25 - 600 nm, preferably 25 - 400 nm; as well as to a process for the conversion of monoolefins and a process for preparing the nanocatalyst.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a supported nanocatalyst for the conversion of monoolefins, a process for conversion of monoolefins and a process for preparing the nanocatalyst. The conversion of monoolefins is preferably a dimerization of C2 - C5 olefins to produce additives which could be used for gasoline and jet fuel to raise octane number and to improve the combustion properties.

[0002] Oxygenates are hydrocarbons that contain one or more oxygen atoms. The primary oxygenates are alcohols and ethers, including: fuel ethanol, methyl tertiary butyl ether (MTBE), ethyl tertiary butyl ether (ETBE), and tertiary amyl methyl ether (TAME).

[0003] The extent of blending of MTBE into motor gasoline increased dramatically since it was first produced 20 years ago. MTBE has a blending octane number in the range of 106-110 and make up approximately 10-11% of the gasoline pool. MTBE usage grew in the early 1980s in response to octane demand resulting initially from the phase out of lead from gasoline and later from rising demand for premium gasoline.

[0004] Methyl tertiary butyl ether use was mandated into United States automobile gasoline in the early 1990s. Due to leaking storage and distribution systems, MTBE contamination of water supplies has been discovered, causing the State of California to completely ban MTBE in 2005. The US congress is currently debating bills that will likely ban MTBE throughout the US, refiners will replace MTBE in gasoline with ethanol, alkylate, isooctane, and reformate. Some MTBE plants shut down and some will be converted to isooctane or alkylation processes in order to consume the excess isobutylene no longer consumed for MTBE.

[0005] In view of MTBE phase out schedules adopted, various options for octane enhancement have been explored. The following main oil refining processes play a key role in gasoline production:

• Crude oil distillation
• Catalytic cracking conversion processes
• Upgrading processes, such as catalytic reforming, isomerization, alkylation, polymerization of light olefins to form polygasoline, etherification processes, and isobutene dimerization

[0006] The alkylation of isobutane with light olefins is the most important refining process for the production of high octane RON and MON compounds, with low Reid vapor pressure. At present the demand for alkylates is growing due to environmental concerns about reducing aromatics in the gasoline pool. This can be made up for by using clean-burning alkylate compounds. In this sense, gasoline from alkylation of isobutane with light olefins is the preferred blending component for reformulated gasoline, since alkylate is a clean burning fuel and is mainly formed by low reactive isoalkanes. Also, environmental concerns over MTBE and its expected removal from the gasoline pool will require further increase of alkylates.

[0007] Traditionally, liquid acids such as H₂SO₄ and HF have been used in industry to catalyse alkylation reactions. Both of H₂SO₄ and HF suffer from certain drawbacks. Anhydrous HF is corrosive and highly toxic. If HF is released into atmosphere, it forms stable aerosols, which drift down and spread on the ground for several kilometres. For that reasons refineries with HF alkylation plants are under pressure to install expensive mitigation systems minimizing the degree of HF leaks. Moreover, authorities in many industrialized countries cease to license new HF alkylation plants.

[0008] H₂SO₄ also is a corrosive liquid but not volatile, making its handling easier. Its major disadvantage is the acid consumption, which can be as high as 70 - 100 kg acid/ton alkylate, very low hydrocarbon solubility, and optimum reaction temperature of 4 - 10°C.

[0009] Therefore, refrigeration is necessary to remove process heat. A temperature higher than 18°C leads to oxidation of hydrocarbons forming SO₂ and water. The spent acid contains water and heavy hydrocarbons and has to be regenerated, usually by burning.

[0010] Isooctane or branched isomers of octane could be produced by alkylation of isobutane with isobutene. This process produces trimethylpentanes and dimethylhexanes. Branched octanes could also be produced from dimerization of isobutene as cited in the following patents: EP 0994088, GB 2325237, and US 6011191.

[0011] Tertiary alkyl ethers and branched hydrocarbons also could be produced by etherification of aliphatic alcohols with isoolefins as cited in the following patents: US 5,637,777; 5,908,964; 5,536,886 and 6,369,280.

[0012] Therefore, most research in this area, at present, is moving towards finding alternative materials as additives to raise the octane number of gasoline and to improve its combustion properties. Also, the research is concerning in developing new catalysts to produce clean fuels free of sulfur, nitrogen and aromatic compounds with low volatility and high octane number.

[0013] Based on the foregoing, an alternative method to produce additives with high octane number is dimerization of low olefins or mixtures of olefins. The alkylates produced from the dimerization are ideal for reforming gasoline.

[0014] The reformulated gasoline will meet the requirements of environmental laws in the future because it is characterized by high octane number and low volatility and is completely free of sulphur, nitrogen and aromatic compounds.

[0015] Based on this, industries and research and development centres have been researching and developing solid acid catalyst in the past decade.

[0016] Isobutene dimers and oligomers are especially useful intermediates for preparation of various products of commercial interest, such as isoparaffins, higher alcohols, aldehydes, ketones or carboxylic acids having 8, 12 or 16 carbon atoms. Amongst such products, highly branched trimethylpentanes that can be obtained through hydrogenation of trimethylpentenes are of particular interest as gasoline octane number enhancers. Indeed, trimethylpentanes have high RONs (Research Octane Numbers) of 100 and MONs (Motor Octane Number) of 100.

[0017] Therefore, dimerization of olefins especially isobutene is a commercially important reaction. The process is carried out by batch or continuous process, either in the gas or liquid phase, generally at temperatures ranging from 50 - 280°C and under atmospheric pressures or under pressures which are such as to keep the reactants in liquid phase, if desired.

[0018] Many catalysts have been claimed for dimerization and oligomerization of olefins, such as acids, cation exchange acid resins, silico-aluminas, mixed oxides, zeolites, fluorinated or chlorinated aluminas, and many other catalysts.

[0019] The oligomerization process using supported phosphoric acid on kieselgur as catalyst has been used for several years to produce gasoline. The reaction is carried out at temperatures over 200°C, and products range from the dimer (C₈) to higher polymeric olefins (C₁₆). In the past other processes have used various catalysts for converting the isobutene to C₈ dimer. For example, a process using a molecular sieve at elevated temperature is disclosed in U.S. 3,531,539. U.S. 4,215,100 discloses the use of an acid cation exchange resin in a heterogeneous combination reaction/distillation system for the selective dimerization of isobutene in the presence of normal butenes.

[0020] The scientific interest and commercial importance of butenes dimerization have led to the search for new solid catalytic materials that can avoid the formation of higher molecular weight olefins due to their controlled acidity. Among the catalysts reported for this reaction, other than supported phosphoric acid on kieselgur, are: Ziegler - Natta based catalysts, sulfonic resins, benzyl sulfonic acid on silica, mica montmorillonite, zirconium oxide, and a variety of other catalysts have been claimed in US. 3,760,026.

[0021] When dimerizing olefins, it is known that heavy oligomers are generated as by products, which gradually deactivate the catalyst. U.S 30088134 relates to a process for dimerizing isobutene, the catalyst employed in this case is a porous cation exchange resin comprising a styrene polymer, which is cross- linked with divinylbenzene, and any sulphonic acid groups adhering to the polymer.

[0022] The main problem of dimerization, which has hindered its industrial development, is the difficulty in controlling the reaction rate, the activity of all acid catalysts together with the difficulty in controlling the temperature in the reactor which makes it extremely difficult to succeed in limiting the addition reactions of isobutene to growing chains and consequently to obtain a high quality product characterized by a high selectivity to dimers.

[0023] In dimerization reactions there is the formation of excessive percentages of heavy oligomers such as trimers (selectivity of 15- 60%) and tetramers (selectivity of 2- 10%) of isobutene. Tetramers are completely outside the fuel fraction as they are too highly- boiling and therefore present a net loss in yield of fuel; as far as trimers are concerned, their concentration should be significantly decreased as they are characterized by a boiling point (170- 180°C) at the limit of future specifications on the final point of reformulated fuels.

[0024] It is thus an object of the present invention to provide a nanocatalyst for the conversion of monoolefins, especially for dimerization of monoolefins, preferably of C4-olefins, which overcomes the drawbacks of the prior art, wherein the catalyst shows high activity and selectivity to preferred products. Further, the nanocatalyst shall be environmentally friendly and shall provide high conversions and selectivity. Especially, using the nanocatalyst in a process for conversion of monoolefins shall result in the provision of clean fuel distillates in the range of gasoline and jet fuel, which product shall be free of sulfur, nitrogen and aromatic compounds with high octane number and Reid pressure.

[0025] It is a second object of the present invention to provide a process for the conversion of monoolefins to result in the benefits as mentioned above.

[0026] A third object relates to the provision of a process for preparing the nanocatalyst.

[0027] The first object is achieved by a supported nanocatalyst for conversion of monoolefins, comprising at least one particulate zeolite support, at least one transition metal oxide, wherein the transition metal is selected from the group consisting of Mn, Cr, V, Zr, Mo, W, Pd, Pt, Ru, Ni, Co, W and Zn, the transition metal oxide being supported on the support, wherein the average particle size of the supported nanocatalyst is from 25 - 500 nm, preferably 25 - 400 nm.

[0028] Preferably, the zeolite support has hydrogen nominal cation form and/or a SiO₂/Al₂O₃ molar ratio of 30. Such a zeolite is for example zeolite CBV 720 having, further, a Na₂O weight percent of 0.03, a unit cell size A of 24.28 and a surface area of 780 m²/g.

[0029] Preferably, the support additionally comprises at least one oxide of elements of the group consisting of Ca, K, Mg, Si, and Al.

[0030] The average particle size of the inventive nanocatalyst is preferably determined by laser diffraction. The technique of laser diffraction is well known in the art and is based on the principle that particles passing through a laser beam will scatter light at an angle that is directly related to their size. As the particle size decreases, the observed scattering angle decreases logarithmically. The observed scattering intensity is also dependent on particle sizes and diminishes, to a good approximation, in relation to the particle's cross-sectional area. Large particles therefore scatter light at narrow angles with high intensity, whereas small particles scatter at wider angles but with low intensity.

[0031] The primary measurement that has to be carried out within a laser diffraction system is the capture of the light scattering data for the particles under study. A typical system consists of a laser, a sample presentation system and a series of detectors.

[0032] The measurement of the average particle size is carried out in dry condition, i.e. after calcination and optional ultrasonating. For elemental analysis of the inventive nanocatalyst, X-ray fluorescence (XRF) was utilized which is one of the most widely used spectroscopic techniques in elemental identification and quantification. X-ray elemental analysis studies were recorded at 30 kV and room temperature using JEOL elemental analyzer JSX-3201.

[0033] Even preferred, the average particle size of the support is from 25 - 400 nm, preferably 25 - 150 nm.

[0034] In one preferred embodiment, the nanocatalyst comprises from 0.1 - 65% by weight, preferably 4 - 30% by weight of the transition metal oxide, based on the total weight of the support.

[0035] The BET surface area of the nanocatalyst may be about 100-300 m²/g.

[0036] The pores of the nanocatalyst have preferably an average diameter of about 55 - 65 Angström.

[0037] Measurement of the BET-surface area is well known in the art (BET=Brunauer, Emmett, Teller).

[0038] Surface area and pore size measurements studies were carried out by using micromeritics adsorption equipment of ASAP 2010. All samples were degassed under vacuum at 300°C. The adsorption of nitrogen was measured at -196°C, the surface areas were calculated using the BET method based on adsorption data.

[0039] The pore-size distribution was analyzed applying the same procedure described above from desorption branch of the isotherm by the Parrett-Joyner-Halenda method.

[0040] The second object is achieved by a process for conversion of monoolefins comprising the step of converting the monoolefins in the presence of an inventive nanocatalyst.

[0041] Preferably, the monoolefins have from 2 - 5 carbon atoms, wherein the process is preferably a dimerization of monoolefins.

[0042] Even preferred, the process is carried out continuously or batchwise, preferably in a continuous gas phase using fixed bed reactor or in a batch liquid phase in an autoclave.

[0043] For a gas phase continuous process, it is convenient and preferred to work under pressures ranging from 1 - 10 atm, preferably from 1 to 8 atm, and temperatures ranging from 20 to 275°C, a preferred range being from 25 to 200°C.

[0044] The catalyst can be re-generated by means of various methods, such as heating the used catalyst in situ up to 550°C in the presence of air or oxygen.

[0045] In one embodiment, the process is carried out at a temperature range between -15 to 600°C, preferably 20°C to 100°C.

[0046] It is also preferred that process is carried out in the presence of inert gas.

[0047] Preferably, the process is carried out with a weight hourly space velocity of about 0.1 to about 40h^-1, preferably 0.1 to 6h^-1.

[0048] The third object is achieved by a process for preparing an inventive nanocatalyst, comprising the steps: a) adding at least one solution of at least one transition metal compound to a particulate zeolite support having preferably an average particle size of 25 - 400 nm, and mixing thereof, preferably at a temperature of 30 to 50°C, to produce a paste, b) drying the paste, preferably at 25 to 95°C, and then calcining it, preferably at 250 to 600°C, preferably at 250-550°C, preferably for 12 hours, and c) optionally ultrasonating the catalyst obtained in step (b), preferably for 12 hours.

[0049] It may happen that agglomeration occurs to some extent when preparing the inventive supported nanocatalyst according to steps (a) - (b). Agglomeration can be avoided, if necessary, by ultrasonating the nanocatalyst obtained in step (b).

[0050] Finally, it is preferred that mixing in step a) is ultrasonating, preferably for 1 - 12 hours.

[0051] It was surprisingly found that the inventive nanocatalyst based on a zeolite support can be successfully utilized in the conversion, especially dimerization, of monoolefins, preferably C₄-monoolefins. The use of the catalyst results in the provision of clean fuel distillates in the range of gasoline and jet fuel which are free of sulfur, nitrogen and aromatic compounds. Further, it was found that the catalyst shows a high activity and a long life time, wherein the catalyst can be reactivated and reused which makes it environmentally friendly. The conversion of monoolefins and fuel distillates reached up to 95% under economical operational conditions of temperature, pressure and space velocity. Especially the conversion can be achieved at reaction temperatures between 20°C to 100°C with space velocities ranging from 0.1 - 40h^-1.

[0052] The process for conversion of monoolefins is most preferably the dimerization of isobutene to produce branched C₈ alkylates which can be used as additives for gasoline and jet fuel, especially for improving the combustion properties of gasoline.

[0053] The supported nanocatalyst according to the invention is remarkable stable and active for long periods of time. Further, the level of catalytic activity exhibited is normally substantially higher than that of the corresponding homogeneous catalyst, such as sulfuric acid, hydrofluoric acid and phosphoric acid.

[0054] Preferably the transition metal is selected from Co, Mn, Cr, V, Zr, Mo, W, and Pd, or mixtures thereof. If in a preferred embodiment amongst the zeolite support additional oxides are present, these oxides are preferably a mixture of Al₂O₃ and SiO₂.

[0055] Particle size of the support of the supported nanocatalyst is preferably in a range from 25 to 500 nm and may be preferably in the form of powder, pellets, granules, or any other form.

[0056] Reactants applicable for use in the process for the conversion of monoolefins are monoolefinic compounds which can (a) self-react, i.e. especially dimerize, (b) react with other olefinic compounds, i.e. especially co-dimerize; and (c) react with paraffinic compounds. Examples are ethylene, propylene, 1-butene, cis-2-butene and isobutylene. Preferably the olefins have four carbon atoms. Paraffinic compounds may be butane and isobutane.

[0057] In a preferred dimerization of isobutene, the formation of heavy oligomers, such as trimers and tetramers, occurs. At virtually 95% conversion, the yield of branched C8 isomers is from 58 to 65%. In addition, from 5 to 35% of higher oligomers is obtained, with about 5 - 20% trimers and 1 - 5% tetramers.

[0058] Concentration of oligomers can be limited by a selection of operating parameters such as temperature, pressure or space velocities. A further possibility is to keep the concentration of reactants at the reactor inlet below 90%, preferably by addition of inert gas.

[0059] The nanocatalyst for conversion of monoolefins can be produced preferably based on an ultrasonic vibration technique, comprising the following steps:

i. Preparing at least one aqueous solution of a water-soluble metal salt selected from one of the transition metal elements as disclosed above for the catalytically active component of the catalyst.

ii. Ultrasonating the at least one aqueous solution for about 1 to 5 hours to obtain a homogenous solution.

iii. Adding the at least one active solution to a nanoparticle support as disclosed above and ultrasonating the mixture for about 1 to 12 hours. Preferably, the zeolite has the nominal cation form of hydrogen and a molar ratio SiO₂Al₂O₃ of 30, such as zeolite CBV 720.

iv. Drying the produced paste and calcining it initially in an inert atmosphere and finally in an oxidizing atmosphere.

v. Optionally ultrasonating the produced nanocatalyst under dry conditions.

[0060] The transition metal salts for step (i) are preferably nitrate, acetate or chloride. An amount of metal salt is employed to result in a transition metal oxide weight percentage of preferably 4 to 65 weight percent, based on the weight of the zeolite.

[0061] Preparation of the solution and ultrasonating thereof in step (iii) are conveniently carried out at temperatures ranging between 25 to 80°C. Ultrasonating in step (v) can be carried out at a temperature of 25 to 60°C, preferably 40°C.

[0062] The drying step (iv) is conveniently carried out at a temperature below 100°C, and preferably 80 to 90 °C, under vacuum, for a time sufficient to remove water completely. The calcination of step (iv) is carried out at an atmosphere which is inert (such as helium) and then oxidizing (such as air or oxygen) at a programmable temperature from 250 to 700°C, preferably 400 to 550°C, for preferably 2 to 12 hours.

[0063] The supported nanocatalyst thus obtained can optionally be ultrasonated under dry conditions to disintegrate agglomerated particles. The final particle size of the nanocatalyst is then in a range from 25 - 600 nm.

[0064] The supported nanocatalyst thus obtained can be ultrasonated under dry conditions in order to avoid the possible formation of agglomerates. Zetasizer nanoparticle analyzer series fitted with a 633 nm "red" laser was used for particle size measurement. Ultrasonic homogenizer was used to dispose and to deagglomerate the calcined supported nanocatalyst into solvent such as methanol, ethanol, isopropanol, isobutanol, and water, or mixtures thereof.

[0065] The following examples describe the preparation of nanocatalyst and dimerization, or codimerization, of olefin or a mixture of olefins to produce branched isomers of C₈.

Example 1

[0066] Preparation of nanocatalyst

(i) Solution (A): 4.91 g (3.97 mmol) of ammonium molybdate(VI)tetrahydrate, (Aldrich chemicals, 99.0% pure), or any of the following salts of the transition metals could be used; manganese(II) acetate, manganese(II) chloride, manganese(II)nitrate, ammonium metavanidate, vanadium(III) chloride or vanadium(III) acetylacetonate, molybdenum(II) acetate dimer or molybdenum(II)chloride, was dissolved at room temperature in 100 ml of deionized water. The aqueous solution is stirred at room temperature for 60 minutes, then at 50°C for 2 hours until a clear solution is obtained. The resulting solution is filtered and then ultrasonated for 60 minutes.

(ii) Solution (B): 4.94 g (16.97 mmol) of cobalt nitrate hexahydrate, (Aldrich chemicals, 99.2% pure), or any of the following salts of the transition metals could be used; cobalt(II)acetate tetrahydrate, cobalt(II)chloride, chromium(III)acetate monohydrate, chromium(II)chloride or chromium(III) nitrate nonahydrate was dissolved at room temperature in 100 ml of deionized water. The aqueous solution is stirred at room temperature for 60 minutes, and then at 50°C for 2 hours until a clear solution is obtained. The resulting solution is filtered and then ultrasonated for 60 minutes.

(iii) The solutions (A) and (B) are combined, and the mixture obtained is stirred at 50°C for 2 hours until a homogeneous clear solution is obtained which is ultrasonated for 3 hours at 80°C.

(iv) The heated ultrasonated mixture of (iii) is added to 11.82 g of Zeolite support with hydrogen nominal cation form with 30 mole ratio of SiO₂/Al₂O₃ (Zeolyst International), or any of the following inert supports could be additionally used; MgO, K₂O, SiO₂ or mixtures thereof. The resultant mixture is stirred for 60 minutes and ultrasonated for 12 hours at temperatures of 30-50°C until a homogeneous mixture is obtained.

(v) The resulted mixture from (iv) is dried using a rotary evaporator under vacuum at a temperature in the range of 70 to 90°C, and then in a programmable oven under vacuum at temperatures ranging from 25 to 95°C. The mixture is then calcined at programmable temperature of 25 to 700°C, preferably from 25 to 550°C, first in helium for 1 hour, and then in air or oxygen stream for 12 hours.

(vi) The produced supported catalyst is then ultrasonated under dry conditions for 3h. Zetasizer nono-particle analyzer series fitted with a 633 nm "red" laser was used for particle size measurement. Ultrasonic homogenizer was used to dispose and deagglomerate the calcined supported catalyst into solvent such as methanol, ethanol, isopropanol, isobutanol, and water, or mixtures thereof.

Example 2

[0067] 

(i) 4.91 g (3.97 mmol) of ammonium molybdate(VI)tetrahydrate, (Aldrich chemicals, 99.0% pure), or any of the following salts of the transition metals could be additionally used; manganese(II) acetate, manganese(II) chloride, manganese(II)nitrate, ammonium metavanidate, vanadium(III) chloride or vanadium(III) acetylacetonate, molybdenum(II) acetate dimer or molybdenum(II)chloride, was dissolved at room temperature in 100 ml of deionized water. The aqueous solution is stirred at room temperature for 60 minutes, then at 50°C for 2 hours until a clear solution is obtained. The resulting solution is filtered and then ultrasonated for 60 minutes.

(ii) Solution of (i) is added to 11.82 g of Zeolite support with hydrogen nominal cation form (Zeolyst International), or any of the following inert supports could be additionally used; MgO, K₂O, SiO₂ or mixtures thereof. The resultant mixture is stirred for 60 minutes and ultrasonated for 12 hours at temperatures of 30-50°C until a homogeneous mixture is obtained.

(iii) The resulted mixture from (ii) is dried using a rotary evaporator under vacuum at a temperature in the range of 70 to 90°C, and then in a programmable oven under vacuum at temperatures ranging from 25 to 95°C. The mixture is then calcined at programmable temperature of 25 to 700°C, preferably from 25 to 550°C, first in helium for 1 hour, and then in air or oxygen stream for 12 hours.

(iv) The produced supported catalyst is then ultrasonated under dry conditions for 3h. Zetasizer nono-particle analyzer series fitted with a 633 nm "red" laser was used for particle size measurement. Ultrasonic homogenizer was used to dispose and deagglomerate the calcined supported catalyst into solvent such as methanol, ethanol, isopropanol, isobutanol, and water, or mixtures thereof.

[0068] A supported metal oxide or oxides nanocatalyst is obtained with a quantitative yield relative to the initially charged material, said powder with 25-500 nm particles size.

Example 3

Dimerization of olefin or a mixture of olefins using catalyst prepared in example(1)

[0069] Typically, in a gas phase continuous process, olefin such as isobutene or a mixture of olefins (1:1 mole ratio) such as isobutene with cis-2-butene, trans-2-butene, 1-butene, propene, or isopentene was processed in a down flow fixed bed tube reactor over supported metal oxides nanocatalyst. Isobutene as a feedstock is preferred.

[0070] The process was performed using the catalyst prepared in example (1) in a gas phase using a fixed bed reactor at temperatures ranging from 20°C to 275°C, wherein temperatures of about 50°C to about 150°C are preferred. In a liquid phase batch process, the temperature ranging from -5°C to 250°C is preferred.

[0071] The reaction pressure can vary depending on the feed employed. The processing in this example was performed at pressure ranging from 1 to about 10 atm. Preferably, pressures of atmospheric to about 4 atm are employed. In a liquid phase batch process the pressure of 1 to about 15 atm are preferred.

[0072] The contact time required for the reaction depends on the feed and the reaction conditions. A space velocity (WHSV) of about 0.1 to about 25 h^-1 could be employed. A WHSV of about 0.1 to 5 h^-1 is preferred for isobutene feedstock.

[0073] Analysis of the hydrocarbons achieved from dimerization is performed using gas chromatography instrument fitted with a flame ionisation detector (FID). The column used in all analysis quoted was a (100mX 0.25 mm) glass open tubular capillary column. The column temperature was programmed as an initial temperature of 30°C for 15 min, then 60°C for 20 min (heating rate 1°C/min) and finally 200°C for 20 min (heating rate 2°C/min).

[0074] The FID detector temperature was 250°C; injector 300°C. The maximum column temperature at which the stationary phase is stable is 200°C.

[0075] Identification of dimerization products was performed on GC/MS fitted with poina 50 metres glass open tubular capillary column. The column temperature was programmed as described above.

Example 4

Dimerization of olefin or a mixture of olefins using catalyst prepared in example(2)

[0076] Typically, in a gas phase continuous process, olefin such as isobutene or a mixture of olefins (1:1 mole ratio) such as isobutene with cis-2-butene, trans-2-butene, 1-butene, propene, or isopentene was processed in a down flow fixed bed tube reactor over supported metal oxides nanocatalyst. Isobutene as a feedstock is preferred.

[0077] The process was performed using the catalyst prepared in example (2) in a gas phase using fixed bed reactor at temperatures ranging from 20°C to 275°C, wherein temperatures of about 50°C to about 150°C are preferred. In liquid phase batch process, the temperature ranging from -5°C to 250°C is preferred.

[0078] The reaction pressure can vary depending on the feed employed. The processing in this example was performed at pressure ranging from 1 to about 10 atm. Preferably, pressures of atmospheric to about 4 atm are employed. In liquid phase batch process the pressure of 1 to about 15 atm are preferred.

[0079] The contact time required for the reaction depends on the feed and the reaction conditions. A space velocity (WHSV) of about 0.1 to about 25 h^-1 could be employed. A WHSV of about 0.1 to 5 h^-1 is preferred for isobutene feedstock.

[0080] The following table shows the reaction conditions of dimerization and the product distribution with the conversion of feed stocks.

[0081] As can be seen, the conversion of monoolefins reached up to 98% with the yield up to 65% to branch alkylates under economical operation conditions of temperature, pressure and space velocity. The octane number of the products ranges between 88 - 98, and the Reid pressure ranges between 5 - 250 Pa.

[0082] The features disclosed in the foregoing description and in the claims may both separately and in any combination thereof be material for realizing the invention in diverse forms thereof.

Claims

1. Supported nanocatalyst for conversion of monoolefins, comprising:

(i) at least one particulate zeolite support,

(ii) at least one transition metal oxide, wherein the transition metal is selected from the group consisting of Mn, Cr, V, Zr, Mo, W, Pd, Pt, Ru, Ni, Co, W and Zn, the transition metal oxide being supported on the support,

wherein the average particle size of the supported nanocatalyst is from 25 - 500 nm, preferably 25 - 400 nm.

2. Nanocatalyst according to claim 1, wherein the support additionally comprises at least one oxide of elements of the group consisting of Ba, Ca, K, Mg, Sn, Si, Ga, and Al.

3. Nanocatalyst according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the average particle size of the support is from 25 - 400 nm, preferably 25 - 150 nm.

4. Nanocatalyst according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the nanocatalyst comprises from 0.1 - 65 % by weight, preferably 4 - 30 % by weight of the transition metal oxide, based on the total weight of the support.

5. Nanocatalyst according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the BET surface area of the nanocatalyst is about 100 - 300 m²/g.

6. Nanocatalyst according to any of the preceding claims, wherein pores of the nanocatalyst have an average diameter of about 55 - 65 Angström.

7. Process for conversion of monoolefins comprising the step of converting the monoolefins in the presence of a nanocatalyst according to any of the claims 1 - 6.

8. Process according to claim 7, wherein the monoolefins have from 2 - 5 carbon atoms, wherein the process is preferably a dimerization of monoolefins.

9. Process according to claim 7 or 8, wherein the process is carried out continuously or batchwise, preferably in a continuous gas phase using fixed bed reactor or in a batch liquid phase in an autoclave.

10. Process according to any of the preceding claims 7 - 9, wherein the process is carried out at a temperature range between -15 to 600°C, preferably 20°C to 100°C.

11. Process according to any of the preceding claims 7 to 10, wherein the process is carried out in the presence of inert gas.

12. Process according to any of the preceding claims 7 to 11, wherein the process is carried out with a weight hourly space velocity of about 0.1 to about 40h^-1, preferably 0.1 to 6h^-1.

13. Process for preparing a nanocatalyst according to claim 1, comprising the steps:

a) adding at least one solution of at least one transition metal compound to a particulate zeolite support having preferablyan average particle size of 15 - 400 nm, and mixing thereof, preferably at a temperature of 30 to 50°C, to produce a paste,

b) drying the paste, preferably at 25 to 95°C, and then calcining it, preferably at 250 to 600°C, preferably at 250- 550°C, preferably for 12 hours, and

c) optionally ultrasonating the catalyst obtained in step (b), preferably for 12 hours.

14. Process according to claim 13, wherein mixing in step a) is ultrasonating, preferably for 1 - 12 hours.